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BLACK IN TIME: A Moment in OUR History

Hugh Gaddy · Sunday, August 9th 2009 at 8:21PM · 183 views
Ralph W. Cooper, Sr. (With Lena Horne)

On August 10, 1992, Thousands Of Mourners Passed Through The Lobby Of Harlem's Apollo Theater, To View The Body Of Ralph W.Cooper, Sr. Ralph Cooper Was Born In New York City. He Began His Career As A Dancer In Small Downtown Clubs Near New York University, Which He Attended For A Semester. He Also Worked As An Actor In Hollywood Films During the '30s ( He Played Lena Horne's Love Interest In The Film, Stormy Weather) And As A Producer Of What Are Generally Known As "Race Films" -- Movies Especially Geared Toward Black Audiences. For More Than Five Decades Cooper Had Been The Master Of Ceremonies For The Famous, Amateur Night At The Apollo, Which He First Created January 26, 1934. For Many Black Singers, Dancers And Comedians, Amateur Night At The Apollo Was A "Rite Of Passage." The Event Provided A Platform For Them To Showcase And Develop Their Skills. Merciless Audiences Watched Artists Perform And Decided With Applause Or Boos, If They Were Winners Of Losers. The List Of Performers Who Have Participated In The World Famous Talent Show Is Impressive And Includes: Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Diana Ross Supremes, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Michael Jackson (As Part Of The Jackson 5), Patti LaBelle, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Ben E. King, Mariah Carey, The Isley Brothers, Lauryn Hill And Sarah Vaughan. "In Order For Black History To Live, We Must Continue To Breathe Life Into It." -- Hubert Gaddy, Jr. Hugh Gaddy
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Hugh Gaddy Hagerstown, MD
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Comments (2)

Hugh Gaddy Sunday, August 9th 2009 at 9:43PM

Hi Irma!! You are Sweet for worrying...THANK YOU!! I'm still posting :-) I usually try to take the weekends off from writing. On Monday, it's back to business!!!

ROBINSON IRMA Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM

Hi Hugh, I was worried when I did not see your postings. great to see you.

yes New York had its Apollo and Philly had its street corner soon to be Black music stars.(smile)

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